For a short time we lived quietly. But this could not last. White men had found gold in the mountains around the land of winding water.

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

When an Indian fights, he only shoots to kill.

I have heard talk and talk, but nothing is done.

I have heard talk and talk, but nothing is done.

My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.

My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.

I hope that no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to...

I hope that no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go to...

I want the white people to understand my people.

I want the white people to understand my people.

My people were divided about surrendering.

My people were divided about surrendering.

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live...

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live...

You might as well expect rivers to run backwards as any man born free to...

You might as well expect rivers to run backwards as any man born free to...

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed.

When my young men began the killing, my heart was hurt.

When my young men began the killing, my heart was hurt.

My father... had sharper eyes than the rest of our people.

My father... had sharper eyes than the rest of our people.

I know that my race must change.

I know that my race must change.

A man who would not love his father's grave is worse than a wild animal.

A man who would not love his father's grave is worse than a wild animal.

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live...

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live...

Let me be a free man - free to travel, free to stop, free to...

Let me be a free man - free to travel, free to stop, free to...

I pressed my father's hand and told him I would protect his grave with my...

I pressed my father's hand and told him I would protect his grave with my...

From where the sun now stands I will fight no more.

From where the sun now stands I will fight no more.

I did not want my people killed. I did not want bloodshed.

I did not want my people killed. I did not want bloodshed.

I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.

I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.

Lawyer acted without authority from our band. He had no right to sell the Wallowa...

Lawyer acted without authority from our band. He had no right to sell the Wallowa...